Sometimes more than one person might use the same Social Security number, either on purpose or by accident. If you suspect that someone else is using your number for work or some other purpose, or if you have received notice from the Internal Revenue Service of unreported taxable income that is not yours, report the problem to the Social Security Administration by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY; 1-800-325-0778). The Social Security Administration’s representatives will take action to ensure that your Social Security records are correct.

You can verify that Social Security has posted all your earnings to your record by reviewing your Social Security Statement (Form Social Security Administration-7004). The Statement, which is mailed annually to workers age 25 and older, provides a concise, easy-to-read personal record of the earnings on which you have paid Social Security taxes during your working years and a summary of the estimated benefits you and your family may receive as a result. You can get a Statement by:

• Requesting it online at Request a Social Security Statement;
• Downloading Social Security Statement request form (Social Security Administration-7004) and mailing it in; or
• Calling the Social Security Administration’s toll-free number 1-800-772-1213 (TTY; 1-800-325-0778) and asking to have a paper request form mailed to you.

If you think you may be a victim of identity theft, also see What can I do in a case of identity theft? Helpful publications include:

• Identity Theft And Your Social Security Number (Publication No. 05-10064);
• Your Social Security Number And Card (Publication No. 05-10002);
• Take Charge: Fighting Back Against Identity Theft, available from the Federal Trade Commission.